Sports journalist Syed Yahya Hussaini has revealed that former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed played a key role in guiding the national team during their Test win against South Africa in Lahore. 

 

Speaking on a private media channel, Hussaini said that Shan Masood called Sarfaraz Ahmed on the third day of the Test to seek his advice, which helped him make crucial on-field decisions.

 

“Shaheen Afridi did not bowl in the first innings because he was told to rest,” Hussaini said. “Later, when he bowled in the second innings, people started praising him. But what most fans don’t know is that Shan Masood actually called Sarfaraz on the third day of the Test and asked, ‘Saifi Bhai, what should I do?’”

 

 

Hussaini said Sarfaraz shared his experience and guided Shan on how to approach the situation. “Sarfaraz told him not to worry and handle it calmly,” he added. “That’s where experience speaks for itself. The advice from a player under whose captaincy Pakistan won the Champions Trophy made a difference.”

 

Hussaini said this incident shows why players like Sarfaraz are still important for Pakistan cricket. “You need such experienced players around the team,” he said.

 

Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. The win gave Pakistan a 1–0 lead in the two-match series. 

 

Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali took four wickets each in the final innings, while Noman finished with a match haul of ten wickets.